Political corruption undermines democracy by eroding public trust and compromising the integrity of institutions. When officials engage in corrupt practices, such as bribery or nepotism, citizens may lose faith in the system's fairness and accountability. This disillusionment can lead to decreased voter turnout and civic engagement, ultimately weakening democratic governance. Additionally, corruption often perpetuates socio-economic inequalities, concentrating power and resources in the hands of a few, further distancing the political elite from the needs and concerns of the general populace.